Colonic anaplastic soft tissue sarcoma in a western hognose snake ( Heterodon nasicus )

Abstract

Neoplastic disease is increasingly being recognized in snakes as a cause of morbidity, with gastrointestinal neoplasms being commonly reported. However, clinical signs are often non‐specific making diagnosis challenging. This case describes the first report of a colonic anaplastic soft tissue sarcoma in a western hognose snake ( Heterodon nasicus ). A 5‐year‐old female western hognose snake presented with a 14‐day history of anorexia and absence of faecal output. Physical examination revealed a palpable mass and constipation. Investigations including radiography, ultrasonography and cloacoscopy revealed an intracoelomic mass. Cytological evaluation showed the presence of tall, columnar epithelial cells likely intestinal or reproductive in origin. Further examination via coeliotomy revealed a discrete colonic mass. At this stage the owner elected euthanasia but the mass was excised post‐mortem and submitted for analysis. Histopathological assessment identified a presumed grade 2 anaplastic soft tissue sarcoma.